About SS Answers

SS Answers is an independent website that explains Social Security in plain English. We cover SSDI, SSI, retirement, survivor and family benefits, overpayments, taxes and the forms and letters that come with them.

What we do

Each guide answers a specific question people ask about Social Security, such as how much they can earn on SSDI, what to do with an overpayment letter or whether their benefits are taxable. We write from the rules Social Security itself follows: the Social Security Act, federal regulations, Social Security’s operations manual (POMS), its forms and its own publications. Figures such as earnings limits and payment amounts are updated when Social Security announces new ones.

Our free tools, including the SSDI back pay calculator and the trial work period tracker, run entirely in your browser and use the same published rules.

How we write

Every guide is researched and checked before it is published, and corrected when rules change. Our editorial policy explains our sources, how we check facts and how to report a mistake.

Who we are not

SS Answers is not a government website and is not affiliated with, endorsed by or connected to the Social Security Administration or any other government agency. We don’t take applications, handle claims or give legal advice. For official decisions about your benefits, contact Social Security directly through SSA.gov or 1-800-772-1213.

Read our full disclaimer.